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Published on: 07.05.2024 | updated on: 20.05.2024
Have you ever noticed your phone getting unusually hot? It's a common issue that can be both annoying and alarming. Overheating can happen for many different reasons, whether you're charging your device more than usual, using power-intensive applications, or leaving it out in extreme temperatures. Understanding why your phone overheats is important not only for the safety of the device but also to enhance its functionality and performance. In this article, we’ll talk about various scenarios that can lead to phone overheating and how you can prevent it to avoid further damage.
Overheating in phones is a very common issue. It can result from reasons such as extensive use, like running multiple applications or playing games, which puts pressure on the phone’s processor. Inadequate ventilation from using poor cases or blocked vents, exposure to harsh temperatures, and using third-party chargers can also lead to overheating. Additionally, background apps that are constantly running, such as GPS, can lead to your phone heating up.
Here are some of the most common reasons why your phone is overheating:
Running power-intensive apps like games or live streaming apps can put pressure on the processor and cause the phone to overheat.
Using a thick case with poor ventilation can restrict airflow and trap heat.
Apps running in the background, particularly those that utilize GPS or continuous data syncing, can heat up your phone.
Exposure to direct sunlight or high temperatures can increase your phone's internal temperature, causing it to heat up.
Using damaged batteries or poor-quality chargers can also lead to this issue.
Overheating is not permanent. There are some steps to resolve the overheating and cool your phone down to restore its functionality:
Don’t use power-intensive applications for longer periods in one go. Give your phone some rest to avoid excessive heating.
If the phone starts to overheat, remove the case and keep it in a well-ventilated area.
Keep the phone out of direct sunlight and away from other heat sources.
Always use the original charger that came with your device.
Close unnecessary apps running in the background to reduce the load on your phone’s processor.
If your phone is overheating so quickly, it could be dangerous. Here is why it is happening and what you can do to remedy it;
There may be a software bug causing the device to heat up.
You are running power-intensive applications or are gaming on your device.
You are streaming videos on YouTube, Netflix, or other applications.
The brightness on your device is maxed out.
Your phone may overheat if it is undergoing a software update.
Your phone is exposed to direct sunlight.
You are using your phone while it is charging.
There may be a problem with the battery.
Turn off your device and start again to get rid of any bugs.
Close all power-intensive applications to take the load off the device.
Lower the brightness or turn on auto-brightness from the settings on your device.
If the phone is undergoing a software update, wait until the update is over.
Take your phone out of heat and rest it in the shade.
Avoid using the device while it is charging.
If the device continues to heat up, get it checked by an authorized technician.
Here is why your phone is overheating when charging and what to do about it;
You are using fast or third-party chargers, which causes the device to heat up.
Your phone is placed in a poorly ventilated place.
You use your phone while it is being charged, causing excess heat.
There may be an issue with the device.
Only use the chargers recommended for your device. Do not use higher-wattage fast chargers to charge faster.
Remove the phone case or place your device in a well-ventilated area.
Do not use the device while it is being charged.
If the phone continues to heat up, consider getting it checked by an expert for any issues.
Here is what to do if your phone has overheated and won't turn on;
Excessive heat may have damaged the phone’s internal components, causing it not to respond or turn on.
Some phones have a safety feature that shuts them down when they overheat to protect the battery and other internal components.
Give your phone some time to cool down. Remove any cases that might trap heat and place the phone in a cooler environment. After it cools down, try charging it with the original charger.
You can try a hard reset if it feels cool and won’t turn on. Although the process varies by model, most phones can be reset by pressing and holding the power and volume down buttons together for about 10 seconds.
If your phone still doesn’t turn on, you might need to get it checked by a professional.
Here is what to do if your phone gets hot and rapidly drains the battery;
Too many apps are running in the background, making your phone use more power and overheat.
You use your device on high screen brightness or have data settings turned on.
There may be a software bug causing the issue.
The batteries may have a problem, causing it to deplete rapidly.
Close unnecessary applications you are not actively using, especially power-intensive apps like games.
Lower the screen brightness or turn on auto-brightness through the settings.
Check for software updates by going to settings.
If the problem persists, there is likely an issue with the phone’s batteries. Get it inspected by a professional as soon as possible.
If you have experienced your phone to overheat while on FaceTime, here is what you can do about it;
You are charging your phone while using FaceTime.
There are plenty of applications running in the background while running FaceTime.
You are using cellular data instead of Wi-Fi, which is causing your phone to heat up more.
You are running FaceTime on max brightness.
Unplug your charger while you are on FaceTime with someone.
Close any applications running in the background that you do not need currently.
Switch to Wi-Fi instead of cellular data, which typically generates less heat.
Lower the brightness while using FaceTime.
Here is why your phone battery is overheating and how to solve it;
You are using a poor-quality aftermarket charger or phone cable.
There may be a software bug causing the device to overheat.
The battery may be worn out, causing the phone to overheat.
Only use the recommended charger for your device.
Check for a software update from the settings and install it promptly.
If the issue remains, get your battery checked by a professional.
Here is why your phone is overheating for no reason and what to do about it;
You are using power-intensive applications or have them running unnecessarily in the background.
You are using the phone while it is connected to the charger.
Your phone is exposed to heat or direct sunlight.
There could be a software bug causing the device to heat up.
Close power-intensive applications if you are not using them.
Do not use your device while it is being charged.
Put your phone away from heat or sunlight and rest it under a shaded or well-ventilated area.
Check for a software update to eliminate any bugs causing the device to heat up.
Here is why your phone is overheating in the car and how to solve it;
Your phone is placed on a seat or dashboard and is exposed to direct sunlight.
Your phone has been placed in a parked car for too long, and cars can become extremely hot inside when parked under the sun.
You are using your phone while charging, especially for navigation or music.
Keep your phone out of direct sunlight. Place it in a shaded area, such as the glove compartment or a holder that doesn’t sit in direct sun.
If your phone keeps overheating, cool it down by directing the car’s air conditioning toward your phone.
Avoid charging your phone in the car when it’s very hot inside.
iPhones may overheat due to various reasons, such as intense gaming, video streaming, or exposure to direct sunlight. Overheating may cause the iPhone to perform poorly, drain the battery, and other issues. To prevent overheating, close resource-intensive apps, remove the case, and avoid direct sunlight. If the problem persists, consider updating to the latest iOS version or seeking professional assistance.
Like the iPhone, Samsung smartphones are also prone to overheating due to intensive gaming, video streaming, faulty charging accessories, or using the device while charging. To prevent overheating, it's recommended that users close resource-intensive apps, remove the phone case for better airflow, and avoid direct sunlight exposure. If the issue remains, check for software updates and seek professional assistance from authorized service centers.
Android devices from various manufacturers can also experience overheating issues caused by running heavy applications, exposing the device to high temperatures, hardware malfunctions, or poor usage habits. Overheating may cause the device to perform sluggish, rapidly drain the battery drain, and permanently damage the internal components. To mitigate this problem, users should close unnecessary apps, remove protective cases for better heat dissipation, and avoid leaving the device in direct sunlight or hot environments.
Here are some tips to prevent your phone from overheating;
Always charge your phone with its original charger or a high-quality third-party charger that meets your phone's specifications.
Keep your phone out of the sun and other hot areas, especially during charging.
Regularly close apps you aren’t using to reduce the strain on your phone's processor.
Lower your screen brightness to decrease the amount of heat your phone generates.
Ensure your phone's operating system and apps are up to date. Updates can fix bugs that might cause overheating.
Avoid playing power-intensive games for long periods, especially when your phone is charging.
Do not leave your phone in confined, poorly ventilated spaces. Use it on hard, flat surfaces where heat can dissipate properly.
If your phone heats up quickly, removing the case can help it cool down more effectively.
Disable Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, and GPS functions when you don't need them.
Listed below are three of the best phone cases you can purchase to avoid overheating and keep your phone cool without compromising on its aesthetic;
This case, specially designed for the iPhone 14 Pro, features a unique three-dimensional honeycomb structure on a cooling pad, which enhances air circulation around the phone. Moreover, It also boasts raised bezels for extra protection of the phone's screen and camera from scratches and impacts. So, with this case on, you neither have to worry about increased temperatures due to intensive use nor accidental cracks and scratches due to impacts.
If you are a gamer, this one is for you. Unlike traditional cases, the Trilink Phone Cooler is specifically designed for gamers. This universal cooling fan can be attached to smartphones to help cool them. It is especially useful for preventing overheating during long gaming sessions or extensive use.
This pouch is built to withstand extreme temperatures, both hot and cold. It contains 90% goose down insulation and is equipped with a drawstring and a carabiner, making it easy to secure to a backpack or jacket.
Yes, some phone cases can restrict airflow, leading to overheating. It’s recommended to use the case that provides better air circulation to your phone.
Overheating can be dangerous as it might damage internal components or, in rare cases, cause the battery to swell or leak.
It's normal for phones to get warm during extensive usage, but if they're hotter than usual and don't seem to cool down, it might be a sign to check for underlying issues.
Yes, once the phone cools down, it usually returns to normal functionality. However, frequent overheating may lead to permanent damage, and hence, it needs to be checked out by a repair store such as Simply Fixable.
No, putting your phone in the fridge is not recommended, as extreme cold can cause irreversible damage to internal components.
Phone coolers are generally not necessary unless your phone is constantly overheating. But, before investing in a phone cooler, it’s important to figure out the cause of overheating and proceed accordingly.
As long as it's used correctly, a phone cooler should not damage your phone. However, always ensure it's compatible with your specific model.
No, using ice to cool your phone is not recommended, as it can cause moisture damage and other potential issues.
The duration of overheating can vary depending on the cause, but your phone should cool down once the root cause is handled and it's moved to normal temperature.
You can simply charge your phone in a well-ventilated area to ensure it remains under normal temperature. You don’t have to cool it down unless you notice abnormally hot temperatures.
Yes, persistent overheating can reduce your battery's lifespan and affect its performance over time.
Yes, a faulty or damaged battery is a common reason for iPhones to overheat.
No, exposing your phone to water to cool it down can cause significant damage, which may be irreversible, especially if it's not water-resistant.
Keep your phone in the shade, away from direct sunlight, and avoid using it in extreme temperatures.
Dealing with an overheating phone can be frustrating, but it’s a fixable issue. By understanding the common causes behind overheating, you can take simple steps to prevent it, such as keeping your phone out of the sun, using only recommended chargers, and closing unnecessary applications. Remember, if your phone keeps overheating, it might be wise to consult a professional like Simply FIxable. Their skilled professionals will do a detailed analysis and check your phone for any underlying problems.
Tech Writer | Photographer
LinkedIn: Madiha Khadim
Madi is a dynamic tech writer with a passion for simplifying complex concepts. Her expertise lies in creating clear and concise guides, blogs, manuals, and tutorials that empower users to navigate the technological landscape with ease. Throughout her career, Madi has worked with numerous leading tech companies, collaborating with engineers, developers, designers and marketers to create user manuals, FAQs, troubleshooting guides, and tech articles, on the websites such as "Technology Castle" and "Bilzimo". She can transform intricate technical jargon into user-friendly language, empowering users to understand and utilize products effectively.
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